02/20/2026
⚠️ 🩸 Lavaca County EMS Administers First Prehospital Blood Transfusion to Save Unstable Medical Patient 🩸 ⚠️
Lavaca County, Texas — 02/20/2026
Lavaca County EMS is proud to announce the successful administration of its first prehospital blood transfusion to an unstable medical patient, marking a historic milestone in advanced emergency care for the citizens of Lavaca County.
Earlier this week, paramedics responded to a critically ill patient experiencing life-threatening instability. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the crew initiated rapid assessment and determined the patient would benefit from immediate blood product administration. Blood was administered in the field prior to hospital arrival, stabilizing the patient during transport and significantly improving their condition.
This intervention represents a major advancement in the level of care available to our rural community.
Elevating Rural Emergency Care -
Prehospital blood transfusion has traditionally been limited to large metropolitan EMS systems and aeromedical services. By implementing this capability, Lavaca County EMS joins a growing number of progressive agencies nationwide that recognize early blood administration as a critical component of resuscitation for patients suffering from severe anemia, hemorrhage, or other forms of shock.
“Time is life in critical illness,” said Dr. David Janese, MD, EMS Clinical Manager and Associate Medical Director for Lavaca County EMS. “The ability to administer blood before reaching the hospital dramatically changes the trajectory for unstable patients. This is not just an enhancement — it is a life-saving evolution in rural emergency medicine.”
What This Means for Lavaca County -
EMS Chief Furrh stated, “This milestone underscores Lavaca County EMS’s commitment to providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities comparable to urban systems, evidence-based, physician-guided prehospital medicine, rapid stabilization for critically ill and injured patients and cutting-edge therapies delivered directly to the patient’s side. For rural communities, where transport times can be extended, the ability to bring hospital-level interventions to the field can mean the difference between life and death.”
A Team Effort -
The successful implementation of the blood program required months of collaboration, including:
Medical protocol development
Specialized paramedic training
Blood product storage and temperature control systems
Coordination with regional hospital and blood bank partners
The dedication of Lavaca County EMS personnel and community partners made this achievement possible.
Commitment to our communities -
Lavaca County EMS remains committed to continuously improving patient outcomes through innovation, education, and clinical excellence.
“This is what your EMS system should look like,” Dr. Janese added. “Highly trained paramedics, supported by strong medical direction, bringing definitive care to the patient — no matter where they are.”
Lavaca County residents can take pride in knowing their EMS agency is equipped, prepared, and committed to delivering the highest level of emergency medical care available.
South Texas Blood & Tissue
